Books matching: colonialism and apartheid
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- #1
Save:A deeply honest, thought-provoking journey through the heart of apartheid-era South Africa, told with gripping candor and complexity. Not always comfortable, but always powerful.
Rian Malan's book 'My Traitor's Heart' is a profound memoir that delves into the author's journey as an Afrikaner in South Africa, grappling with his own white privilege, the complexities of his country's history, and his evolving political beliefs. Through candid storytelling, Malan reflects on his family's role in shaping South Africa, his personal struggles with his conscience and privilege, and his commitment to the liberation of black South Africans. The book explores themes of identity, colonialism, apartheid, and the internal conflict of being torn between the oppressor and the oppressed.
December 1989•384 pages - #2
Save:Brilliant, tough, and unforgettable. Disgrace is a modern classic that challenges as much as it enlightens. Approach prepared for discomfort but expect to be moved and deeply provoked.
'Disgrace' by J.M. Coetzee follows the story of Professor David Lurie, an aging university teacher who faces disgrace after being accused of inappropriate relationships with his students. The narrative delves into themes of age, relationships, culture, and taboo, exploring the protagonist's brutal honesty about himself and his struggles to navigate his disintegrating career and personal life. Set in post-apartheid South Africa, the novel addresses complex issues such as race relations, power dynamics, and societal transformations, all while showcasing Coetzee's spare and engaging writing style that keeps readers engrossed in the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and redemption.
FOR A MAN of his age, fifty-two, divorced, he has, to his mind, solved the problem of sex rather well. On Thursday afternoons he drives to Green Point. Punctually at two p.m. he presses the buzzer at...1999•240 pages Essential reading for anyone in Canada - concise, accessible, and a much-needed reality check on the impact of the Indian Act. It’s the perfect starting point for real understanding and action toward reconciliation.
'21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act' by Bob Joseph breaks down the Indian Act into easily digestible pieces, aiming to educate Canadians of all backgrounds on the historical and ongoing influence of the Act on the country. Through practical examples and historical insights, the book sheds light on the shameful treatment of Indigenous peoples, emphasizing the importance of understanding and reconciliation. Readers praise the book for providing a clear and concise overview of the Indian Act, offering valuable insights into the colonial relations between settlers and Indigenous peoples in Canada.
The Indian Act election system, in which the majority of our First Nation members still operate, has severely impacted the manner in which our societies traditionally governed themselves. It has displ...April 2018•160 pages- #4
Save:A richly detailed, engrossing history of Africa's colonial era - brilliant for those who crave depth and complexity, but may be a challenging slog if you like your history short and sweet.
Thomas Pakenham's book 'The Scramble for Africa' delves into the European conquest of Africa between 1876 and 1912. Through a comprehensive and detailed narrative, Pakenham uncovers the rapid colonization of the continent by five European powers. The book provides insights into the political conditions in Europe that led to the carving up of Africa, while also offering engaging character portraits and a readable prose that sheds light on the significant events of that era.
‘The current is with us.’ Leopold II, King of the Belgians, at the Geographical Conference in Brussels, 12 September 1876 ‘He [King Leopold] first explained his views to me when I was his guest in Bru...1991•779 pages - #5
Save:A grim and mesmerizing psychological exploration best suited for literary fiction lovers who aren't afraid of ambiguity and darkness. If you want unforgettable writing and don't mind being unsettled, dive in!
Set in apartheid-era South Africa, 'In the Heart of the Country' by J.M. Coetzee follows the story of a young spinster named Magda living with her harsh and cold father on an isolated farm. The narrative, presented as numbered entries in Magda's journal, delves into her distorted view of reality, where fantasies blur with truth. As Magda's mental instability unravels, different versions of reality intertwine, showcasing her desperate loneliness and lack of identity in a world where relationships are dictated by racial hierarchies.
The novel explores themes of extreme loneliness, isolation, and the psychological turmoil of the protagonist, Magda. Coetzee's writing style, characterized by a stream of consciousness narration and a blend of past and present, creates a dark and tense atmosphere that challenges readers to navigate the blurred lines between truth and fiction in Magda's narrative.
1976•170 pages - #6
Save:A History of South Africa is a solid, comprehensive guide - ideal for travelers and newcomers seeking to understand the country’s tumultuous past and its present. Not flawless or all-encompassing, but definitely a recommended starting point.
'A History of South Africa' by Leonard Thompson provides a comprehensive overview of the history of South Africa, starting from the 16th century pre-European arrival and delving into key events such as the Dutch East India days, the Afrikaner trek, post-Apartheid era, and more recent history elements. The writing style is factual, unemotional, and without political bias, presenting the country's history with a focus on both the beauty and brutality of South Africa. The author covers various aspects of South Africa's history, including the colonial era, tribal wars, diamond and gold mining, apartheid, and the transition to democracy.
The hunting and herding peoples of Southern Africa remained isolated from the wider world until the end of the fifteenth century. Throughout that century, Portuguese mariners were probing further and...1990•410 pages - #7
Save:Essential and deeply unsettling, Medical Apartheid shines a light on a dark and often hidden aspect of medical history. It’s a tough but necessary read - one that will stick with you long after you turn the last page.
"Medical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present" by Harriet A. Washington delves into the long, tragic history of the abuse of African Americans in medical research. Washington meticulously researches and documents the unethical practices and racist experiments conducted on people of African descent, shedding light on the atrocities committed in the name of science and medicine. The author highlights the deep-rooted distrust within the African American community towards the medical profession due to historical mistreatment, emphasizing the need for honesty and accountability in medical research to bridge the gap in healthcare disparities.
The narrative in the book is described as grim and eye-opening, exploring the lesser-known corners of history regarding medical experimentation on African Americans. Washington's writing style is praised for being thorough, well-documented, and thought-provoking, providing a comprehensive account of the racial bias and abuses prevalent in medical studies throughout history. While the subject matter is distressing, the book serves as a crucial reminder of the systemic injustices faced by African Americans in the healthcare system and the importance of acknowledging and rectifying past wrongs.
There are a great number of Negroes, nearly all of whom are Slaves. And on different Streets are large halls occupied as Marts or stores, for the sale or purchase of Slaves…. While I have been looking...2006•520 pages - #8
Save:A grand, meticulously researched historical epic that will transport patient readers to the heart of South Africa’s complex past - but may feel overwhelming or repetitive to some.
'The Covenant' by James A. Michener is a sweeping historical fiction novel that covers the history of South Africa over 500 years, starting from the early San peoples to the era of apartheid. The book follows the stories of several families - one Dutch Afrikaner, one English, and one native - providing a fictional account of the founding of South Africa through well-researched storytelling. The writing style of Michener presents the history of South Africa through different time periods with extremely interesting characters, giving readers a comprehensive introduction to the country's complex past.
While these narcotic names infected him with their sweet poison he stayed on deck and watched the moon tiptoe across the waves of an ocean he still could not comprehend, and grudgingly he admitted tha...1980•495 pages
